Home Learning

Home Learning is a key element in the establishment of an efficient study program and effective time management schedule. Because young people are learning from their vast variety of experiences, a preferable term for the word Homework, is Home Learning. It is part of the partnership between home and school.

It is designed to:

motivate student to become active participants in their own learning

develop the capacity to work independently

foster an orderly approach to work and self-directed successful study

provide an opportunity for consolidation, revision and extension of course work undertaken during the day

It is an expectation of the College that students will receive and complete regular Home Learning tasks in all courses studied. However, Home Learning varies within and across subjects and according to the students’ age and stage of learning. Assignments and projects that call for long term planning are included. Also, students should realise that study needs to be regular and constant, regardless of whether specific Home Learning has been set.

Home Learning has four major roles to play:

Completing unfinished learning from the school day.

Doing further subject material to reinforce and consolidate the concepts in the students’ minds. If they can do it at home on their own, then they know it.

Connecting and applying new knowledge learned to new situations, mentally storing information and revising for exams/tests.

Summarising and completing notes from class.

The balance needed between Home Learning, family commitments and leisure time is acknowledged.

There must be a continual increase in the number of Home Learning sessions that students complete as they progress through the year levels, to cope confidently with the workloads in Years 11 and 12 and beyond. These sessions vary in time and intensity according to the year level and are very much dependent on the students’ concentration spans.

Research shows that the following suggested weekly time allocation is most beneficial:

Years

Hours per Week

Home Learning Sessions

7 and 8

5-7

10-14 x 30 minutes

9 and 10

9-11

12-14 x 45 minutes

11 and 12

15-18

15-18 x 60 minutes

If students consistently neglect the work set for them outside school hours, teachers will inform parents by writing a note in the student’s diary, calling a parent for an interview, or sending a Letter of Concern home.